Get ready for a mind-boggling twist in the 2026 baseball season! The Chicago White Sox, despite their recent improvements, are still not expected to dominate the field. In a surprising move, they traded away Luis Robert Jr., leaving a gaping hole in their lineup, especially in center field. But here's the controversial part: their chosen replacement, Luisangel Acuna, is set to play center field and bat seventh.
Acuna, who struggled to make an impact with the Mets last season, now finds himself in a crucial position for the White Sox. With a batting average that pales in comparison to his teammates, Acuna's placement in the lineup might just be a wake-up call for the team, reminding them of the work they have ahead.
The decision to bat Acuna seventh is particularly intriguing, especially when considering his performance statistics. Acuna's lack of power at the plate raises questions about the strategy behind this move.
And this is where it gets even more interesting: Acuna will be batting just behind Munetaka Murakami, the Japanese slugger with the Babe Ruth-like nickname. Murakami, who signed a $34 million contract with the Mets, was expected to command a much higher salary. So, does Acuna's position behind Murakami make him the Dominican Lou Gehrig?
The White Sox seem confident in their ability to develop Acuna into a reliable center fielder, which is a reasonable expectation. However, the decision to place him so high in the batting order is what has fans scratching their heads. With an OPS significantly lower than his teammates, Edgar Quero and Brooks Baldwin, the team's strategy seems to be banking on Acuna's impressive performance in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Acuna's brief stint with the Mets last year saw him start a handful of games in the sixth and seventh spots. His strong start in 2025 earned him Rookie of the Year honors for April, but his performance tapered off, with only one extra-base hit after May.
So, will Acuna rise to the challenge and prove his worth in the White Sox lineup? Only time will tell. But if he bats higher than eighth to start the season, it might be wise to bet on the under.
